Public Safety

Public Safety spending consumes 55% of the City's General Fund budget.

Police and Fire get even more revenue through the dedicated three-quarter cent Public Safety Sales Tax.

In addition to traditional police and fire responsibilities, public safety has broadened to include various emergency services ranging from 'routine' emergency medical response to disaster rescue and recovery.

Chemical or biological accidents and now the threat of weapons of mass destruction have further expanded the role of municipal public safety.

The definition of public safety today includes crime and fire prevention programs as well as public education regarding health and safety.

While Police and Fire are distinct departments, they work together in public safety situations. Meth lab raids require hazmat support. Automobile accidents may require specialized equipment, such as the 'jaws of life'.

Emergency service planning is handled by the Police Department but involves Fire paramedics who serve as first responders as well as EMSA’s emergency medical services and County and State Health Departments that work with the federal Center for Disease Control.

The municipal court handles tickets issued by fire and environmental inspectors as well as the police department.

In addition to the City’s public safety function, emergency medical services are provided by EMSA, a trust that oversees advanced out-of-hospital emergency medicine.

Safety Information

Alarm permit fees

Citizen Alert

Citizen Alert is an Internet-based program that allows the Police Department to send out public safety alerts by e-mail or as text message on pagers or cell phones.

Alerts include our phone numbers and e-mail addresses so citizens can reply back if they have any helpful information on a case. Getting assistance and information from the public is a vital part of police investigations.

Emergency traffic rules

You're at a stop light and an ambulance appears in your rear view mirror, siren and lights on. What do you do? Emergency traffic rules here.

Do you have a tornado shelter?

If you're trapped after a tornado or other disaster, will police and firefighters be able to find you? If you live in the Oklahoma City limits, add your shelter to the list we're making for rescue workers. Call the Action Center at
405 297-2535.